Such deer creatures

2:14pm Monday 14th April 2008

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I LOVE it when I can get close to wildlife and this is certainly the case with the Fallon Deer at Dunham Massey in Cheshire.

The house is situated close to the M56 near Altrincham and is well signed and open tot he public.

Dunham Massey is first mentioned in 1323 and there was a deer park. The Normans were fond of hunting and it was they who introduced the fallon deer into Britain.

Some scientists think that introductions were made by the Romans whilst others think that fallon deer with the spotted coats and the huge flat antlers carried by the males, were present just after the Ice Ages, but then became extinct.

I don't worry about these arguments, just enjoy the chance to get close to these marvellous animals at Dunham Massey.

Visitors can get so close that it is possible to feel the warmth of their bodies.

There are not many places where it is possible to get so close to the fallons and Dunham Massey should be added to the list of places to watch wildlife.